How to Replace a Chevy Suburban Turn Signal Switch
by Dan Ferrell
The turn signal switch on your Chevy Suburban is a vital safety feature. Consequently, problems with this switch should be fixed as soon as possible. After years of use, the switch may develop problems and cause the whole circuit to malfunction. This guide will help you service the signal switch. It is based on a 2004 Suburban, but is similar to other model years.
Disarm the Supplemental Restraint System
Step 1
Turn the steering wheel so the front tires point straight ahead.
Step 2
Turn the ignition switch off.
Step 3
Detach the negative battery cable using a wrench.
Step 4
Wait a couple of minutes to make sure the restraint system loses any residual power.
Remove the Turn Signal Switch
Step 1
Detach the upper and lower steering wheel trim covers using a Phillips screwdriver.
Step 2
Detach the wire harness from the steering column by breaking the plastic tie with a utility knife.
Step 3
Take the sleeve off the wiring harness assembly and take note of the wire or wires coming through the sleeve so that you install the sleeve the same way.
Step 4
Slide the two turn-signal electrical connectors out of the plastic bulkhead connector by hand.
Step 5
Unplug the turn signal-switch single wire connector from the restraint-system coil connector.
Step 6
Unscrew the two signal-switch mounting screws using a Phillips screwdriver. One of the screws sits on top of the turn signal switch and the other one faces the driver.
Step 7
Remove the turn signal switch from the steering column assembly.
Install the Turn Signal Switch
Step 1
Set the new turn signal switch in place on the steering column assembly. Make sure the switch is properly mounted.
Step 2
Screw the two signal-switch mounting screws using the Phillips screwdriver.
Step 3
Plug the turn signal-switch single wire connector to the restraint-system coil connector.
Step 4
Slide the two turn-signal electrical connectors into the plastic bulkhead connector by hand.
Step 5
Install the sleeve into the wiring harness assembly.
Step 6
Attach the wire harness to the steering column using a new plastic locking tie.
Step 7
Attach the upper and lower steering wheel trim covers using a Phillips screwdriver.
Arm the Supplemental Restraint System
Step 1
Make sure the ignition switch is in the Off position.
Step 2
Attach the negative battery cable using the wrench.
Step 3
Turn the ignition switch to the On position. You should see the air bag indicator flashing for a few seconds, then turning off.
Step 4
Erase any diagnostic trouble codes using a scan tool. Or take the vehicle to an automotive shop and have them erase any trouble codes that might have been stored during service to the turn signal switch.
References
- Chevrolet Silverado & GMC Sierra 1999 thru 2006 2WD and 4WD--Includes 2000 thru 2006 Suburban; Jeff Kibler and John H. Haynes; 2008
Things You'll Need
- Wrench Phillips screwdriver Utility knife Plastic locking tie Scan tool
Writer Bio
Since 2003 Dan Ferrell has contributed general and consumer-oriented news to television and the Web. His work has appeared in Texas, New Mexico and Miami and on various websites. Ferrell is a certified automation and control technician from the Advanced Technology Center in El Paso, Texas.
